Plum tree &#34;Joanna Red&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of plum tree (Prunus salicina) with the following features that are desirable in a new variety: 
     1. Vigorous, upright growth. 
     2. Heavy and regular production of medium to large size fruit. 
     3. Fruit with an attractive red skin color. 
     4. Relatively uniform ripening of fruit throughout the tree. 
     5. Fruit with good firmness, handling and shipping qualities. 
     6. Fruit with the ability to remain firm on the tree 6 to 7 days after shipping ripe. 
     7. The fruit having a good balance between acid and sugar with good flavor and eating quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new variety of plum tree was originated by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., from a cross betweenthe selected seedling with field identification number 46G731 and a plumof unknown parentage. The maternal parent (46G731) originated from across between Laroda Plum (non-patented) and Queen Ann Plum(non-patented). A large number of these first generation seedlings weregrown by us and maintained under close observation, during which timeone such seedling which is of the present variety, exhibited thedistinct and desirable characteristics described above and was selectedfor asexual reproduction and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of plum tree was bybudding, as performed by us in our experimental orchard located nearModesto, Calif., and shows that all characteristics of the tree and itsfruit run true to the original tree and are established and transmittedthrough succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of plum tree is of large size,vigorous, upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of mediumto large, yellow flesh, freestone fruit with good flavor and eatingquality. The fruit is further characterized by having firm flesh withgood handling and shipping quality, relatively uniform ripeningthroughout the tree and the ability to hold firm on the tree 6 to 7 daysafter shipping ripe. In comparison to Casselman Plum (non-patented), thenew variety ripens approximately 5 days earlier, with heavier productionof larger size fruit and a greater degree of attractive red skin color.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new plum variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofplum tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations ofspecimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (exceptthose in common terms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A.Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Upright.

Productivity.--Productive.

Bearer.--Regular.

Density.--Medium dense.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to large.

Texture.--Medium shaggy.

Color.--Grayish brown to soot brown (5-E-3) to (5-F-5).

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.--Smooth to medium rough.

Lenticels.--Medium number. Small size.

Color.--Brown to oak brown (5-D-4) to (5-D-6). Varies with age ofgrowth.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length 37/8". Average width 15/8".

Form.--Oblanceolate, pointed.

Margin.--Crenate.

Thickness.--Medium.

Surface.--Smooth.

Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness.

Glands.--Number varies from 1 to 4. Average number 2. Globose. Primarilypositioned on upper portion of the petiole and base of leaf blade.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (28-F-4) to (28-F-7). Lowersurface -- dull green to green (28-E-3) to (28-E-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Length.--Medium.

Form.--Plump.

Flowers:

Size.--Medium.

Pollen.--Present.

Blooming period.--Date of first bloom: Mar. 1, 1996. Date of full bloom:Mar. 6, 1996. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Color.--White.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--Aug. 1, 1996.

Date of last picking.--Aug. 5, 1996. Varies slightly with climaticconditions.

Size.--Medium to large. Comparatively uniform. Average diameter axially21/4". Average transversely in suture plane 23/8".

Form.--Nearly globose, slightly flattened at stem end.

Suture.--Shallow, extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Nearly rounded.

Apex.--Usually rounded, varies from slight tip to rounded.

Base.--Retuse.

Cavity.--Slightly elongated in suture plane. Average breadth 1/2".Average depth 3/8".

Stem.--Average length 1/2". Average thickness 1/16".

Flesh:

Ripens.--Evenly to slightly earlier at apex.

Texture.--Firm.

Fibers.--Small, tender.

Aroma.--Very slight.

Eating quality.--Good.

Flavor.--Good. Sweet, good balance between acid and sugar.

Color.--Pale yellow to light yellow (4-A-3) to (4-A-5). Pit cavity --grayish yellow to brownish yellow (5-B-3) to (5-B-5).

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium, tenacious to flesh.

Bloom.--Moderate.

Down.--Wanting.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Color.--Ground color light yellow to yellow (4-A-5) to (4-A-7). Nearlyoverspread with garnet red to brownish red (10-E-5) to (10-E-8). Smallareas of ground color creating a speckling of randomly spaced dots.

Stone:

Type.--Freestone when fully mature.

Size.--Medium. Average length 1". Average width 3/4". Average thickness1/2".

Form.--Ovoid.

Base.--Varies from straight to rounded.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Surface.--Slightly pitted throughout. Shallow furrows near stem endextending toward apex, one long furrow on each side of suture.

Sides.--Mostly equal, varies from equal to unequal.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Light brown to brown (5-C-5) to (5-D-5).

Use: Dessert. Market, local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The present new variety of plum tree, its flowers, foliage and fruitherein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of plum tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous,upright growth and being a regular and productive bearer of medium tolarge, yellow flesh, freestone fruit, having a good balance between acidand sugar to produce good flavor and eating quality; the fruit isfurther characterized by its firmness which facilitates its goodhandling and shipping qualities, the ability to remain firm on the tree6 to 7 days after shipping ripe and in comparison to Casselman Plum(non-patented), the new variety has heavier production of larger sizefruit with a greater degree of attractive red skin color and maturesapproximately 5 days earlier.